Criminal Defense Attorney in Kennett, MO

Criminal Defense Attorney in Kennett, MO. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, you do not need to be told the grave nature of the charges that you are looking at. Just a conviction for a small misdemeanor could force you to pay a sizable fine, do time in county jail, or have to spend multiple years under probation. Facing a felony conviction only magnifies these consequences: not only are you subject to multiple years locked up in the Missouri state prisons. And even after your release from prison you will no longer have additional privileges or rights that most citizens take for granted. Convicted felons are banned from owning guns, running for office, or holding certain occupations. Also, in many instances, you will be mandated to disclose your status as a convicted felon on rental or job applications, which often severely curtails where they can work or live.

The experienced Kennett, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have assisted many men and women overcome criminal allegations in the Kennett, MO area. Our firm realizes that sometimes decent people can be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and our criminal defense lawyers work to minimize the detremental consequences a criminal conviction has on your reputation, life, and freedom. Our impressive history of success is notable among Kennett criminal defense law firms, and we place client satisfaction at the center of everything we do — just ask the satisfied Kennett clients who have contacted Combs Waterkotte. Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP, or contact us online, for a free, no-strings-attached review of your Kennett, MO criminal case.

Kennett, MO Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing a criminal charge is stressful in itself, but criminal charges at the federal level require an extra stage of legal knowledge and dilligence. Prosecutors for the United States courts are poised to win at all costs: the U.S. Department of Justice regularly brags that it has a conviction rate of roughly 90 percent. Overwhelmingly, these convictions are plea bargains, where a defendant accepts a lesser charge or punishment in exchange for an admission of guilt. Federal prosecutors will use the full arsenal of resources at their disposal to coax a guilty plea, ensure that you spend years in a Bureau of Prisons facility, and carry a federal conviction on your record for the rest of your life.

At Combs Waterkotte, our Kennett, MO criminal defense attorneys have vast and documented experience in taking on federal criminal defense cases and getting positive outcomes for our clients. Our team of federal criminal defense attorneys near Kennett, MO is not scared to face off against any opponent — whether they are local municipal prosecutors, the Missouri state prosecutor department or federal attorneys — and fight fiercely on our clients’ behalf. We have assisted many who have been accused of federal criminal acts in the Kennett area and helped them put what is an unquestionably troubling experience in their rear-view mirror. Read more about our expertise in federal criminal cases and what makes federal criminal cases different from state and municipal cases.

A Full-Service Kennett, MO Criminal Defense Attorney

The proficient Kennett, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte defend all cases and criminal charges, like:

• Motor Vehicle Tampering
• Assault and Battery
• Domestic Violence
• Theft/Larceny
• Probation Violations
• Drug Charges and Possession

The criminal defense attorneys of Combs Waterkotte based in Kennett, Missouri have been successfully defending the rights of the accused for years. When you hire a criminal defense attorney with our hard-working St. Louis criminal defense firm, you will always get thoughtful, personalized counsel. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, we treat your case, and your life, with the utmost care. You can reach and speak to your dedicated defense attorney and legal team at any time.

With your freedom and future in jeopardy, you need someone you can trust and rely upon to advocate for you and fight on your behalf. Do not wait speaking to a criminal defense attorney to help you fight your criminal charges at any level in the Missouri area. The quicker you get an attorney on your case, the sooner we can get to work building a defense strategy and allowing you to breathe you to breathe a little easier as we tackle the looming uncertainty of an impending criminal court proceeding. Call (314) 900-HELP now or reach us online to get in touch with a Kennett, MO criminal defense attorney about your criminal case.

Criminal Charges and Consequences Under Missouri Law

A criminal conviction, even for a low class misdemeanor could result in a sizable fine, county jail time, and/or years of supervised probation. For felony charges, the outcome of a conviction can be much more dire. You may be sentenced to years in the state prison system, and once you are labeled a convicted felon you lose lifelong rights that many people take for granted. As a convicted felon in Missouri, you are prohibited from owning firearms, voting in elections, running for office, or holding certain jobs. Also, in many cases, as a felon you are required to disclose your status as a convicted felon on applications for jobs, housing and other opportunities and resources, which is an obvious impairment to achieving a productive, fruitful life.

If you have already received a felony conviction or suspect that the likelihood of a conviction is high, all hope is not lost. Missouri law does allow for the restoration of certain rights and for certain cases you may be able to request a pardon, expungement, or the sealing of your record. Consult a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Kennett, MO to explore how to restore your rights after receiving a conviction. Contact us to learn how our Kennett, MO defense attorneys can help you reclaim your rights.

Felony Charges and Punishments in Kennett, Missouri

In Missouri, crimes that are considered felonies are categorized into five classes based on the severity. Depending on the class of your felony conviction, the punishment will vary.

• Class A Felony – minimum of 10 years and no more than 30 years in prison, or life in prison
• Class B Felony – at least five but no more than 15 years in prison
• Class C Felony – between three and 10 years in prison
• Class D Felony – no more than seven years in prison
• Class E Felony – a maximum of four years in prison

In the end, the outcome of your felony criminal case depends on a number of factors. If you receive a felony conviction, the exact terms of your punishment will be determined by the judge. The judge in your case will weigh information including the specific circumstances of the crime, your criminal history and other details.

However, there are exceptions to the guidelines above. The classification of some crimes may be enhanced, meaning a crime typically considered a Class D felony in Missouri can be raised to a Class C, etc. This can happen for some defendants with prior convictions or for crimes that are determined to have been carried out based on a victim’s race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, sex or disability. On the other hand, with a competent and dedicated criminal defense attorney in Kennett representing you, your original Class B felony could be dropped down to a lower felony, a felony could be dropped down to a misdemeanor or your criminal defense attorney could argue to obtain a lesser punishment.

In some cases with the right circumstances and the skill of an experienced defense attorney, you can have the charges dropped entirely. If you have a strong case but the prosecutor refuses to drop the charges, your Combs Waterkotte criminal defense lawyer will take the fight to trial where they will present your case to a jury of your peers who will then determine whether or not to find you guilty. Contact our Kennett, MO felony defense attorneys today to discuss your case and your options and receive quality counsel and representation.

Misdemeanor Charges in Missouri

As with felonies, misdemeanors in Missouri are classified based on severity. Unlike prison time and possible parole that comes with a felony, the maximum punishment allowed for a misdemeanor is a year in jail, and in many cases no jail time is required, but rather the payment of a fine.

• Class A Misdemeanor – up to one year in jail; a fine of up to $2,000
• Class B Misdemeanor – up to six months in jail; a fine of up to $1,000
• Class C Misdemeanor – up to 15 days in jail; a fine of up to $700
• Class D Misdemeanor – a fine of up to $500

The classification of a misdemeanor can also be enhanced based upon the circumstances or your criminal history. However, in misdemeanor cases your defense attorney can often help you avoid serving jail time in favor of a period of supervision known as probation. You may also be required to meet additional requirements as a condition of your probation, such as community service or competition of a substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Misdemeanors are not to be taken lightly, but are not as serious as felony convictions and a good criminal defense attorney can help you get an outcome that is minimally disruptive to your life and allows you to move forward in a positive light. Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP to discuss your case and your options with a defense attorney near Kennett, MO now.

Fixing Traffic Tickets In Kennett, MO

Did you know Combs Waterkotte also handles traffic tickets and other aspects of traffic law? Even if you have never been arrested for a crime, our defense attorneys in the Kennett, MO area can help you through our expert traffic law services. Affordable and effective as attorneys against traffic tickets, do not let our record of success in difficult criminal cases intimidate you or dissuade you from hiring us for top traffic ticket legal representation.

Getting a traffic ticket in Kennett, MO isn’t just a pain, it’s also a financial penalty. If you choose to pay your Kennett traffic ticket, you indirectly plead guilty to the charges against you and they go on your driving record. Depending on the severity of your offense, you could be looking at a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and your car insurance premiums will drastically increase. Tickets usually cannot be removed from your driving record for at least three years, as well, meaning that if you are pulled over again during this period you could be facing harsher penalties.

A growing number of Kennett drivers are choosing Combs Waterkotte as their Kennett traffic ticket lawyer, and with good reason. Combs Waterkotte brings unparalleled legal acumen to all its cases, even small moving violations. Our firm works without rest to ensure that the charges on your traffic ticket are brought down to non-moving violations (which, after you’ve paid them, are removed from your record or influence insurance rates) or have your ticket dismissed due to police not following proper procedure. Best of all, our premier Kennett traffic ticket lawyer services come at an exceptional value: just $49.99 for most cases, providing you access to first-rate legal services at a price you would not expect. If you have recently been issued a traffic ticket in Kennett, MO and do not want it to affect your driving record, call us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with our firm and begin the process of getting your Kennett traffic ticket fixed.

In addition to criminal defense law for Missouri state felonies and misdemeanors, federal crimes and traffic tickets, the leading Kennett, MO area attorneys of Combs Waterkotte have the skill and expertise you need from your lawyer in any criminal or personal injury case. Learn more about the types of cases we win below.

• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

Hire Your Kennett, MO Criminal Defense Attorney Now | Combs Waterkotte

Selecting the right Kennett, MO lawyer can make the difference between your case being ended favorably and you spending time behind bars. In contrast to other Kennett defense attorneys, our firm places complete satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Combs Waterkotte, you can rest assured that you will get 24/7 access to the Kennett criminal defense lawyer working on your case. No matter where you are, what time it is, or your present circumstances, you can talk to us about your case, the legal process, or anything else.

When you are looking at criminal charges in Kennett, from a simple moving violation for speeding to severe felonies, call Combs Waterkotte first. Give us a call at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation, but preceding that we ask you to take a look at what some of our previous clients have said about their time working with the skilled Kennett, MO criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte.